Immunodeficiency
There are more than 200 primary immunodeficiency diseases recognized by the World Health Organization.
How does an immunodeficiency present itself?
Immunodeficiency disorders usually result from use of a drug or from a long-lasting serious disorder (such as cancer) but occasionally are inherited.
People usually have frequent, unusual, or unusually severe or prolonged infections.
Doctors suspect immunodeficiency based on symptoms and do blood tests to identify the particular disorder.
People may be given antimicrobial drugs (such as antibiotics) to prevent and treat infections.
Immune globulin may be given if there are too few antibodies (immunoglobulins) or they are not functioning normally.
If the disorder is severe, stem cell transplantation is sometimes done.
Immunodeficiency disorders are not limited to specific types of symptoms but they all stem from a deficiency in the body’s immune system.
What are the causes of immunodeficiency?
Humoral immunity, which involves B cells (lymphocytes), a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies (immunoglobulins)
Cellular immunity, which involves T cells (lymphocytes), a type of white blood cell that helps identify and destroy foreign or abnormal cells
Both humoral and cellular immunity
Phagocytes (cells that ingest and kill microorganisms)
Complement proteins (proteins with various immune functions, such as killing bacteria and other foreign cells and making foreign cells easier for other immune cells to identify and ingest—see Complement System)
Make sure if you have any of the above symptoms to go to a professional to seek medical care and a reliable opinion about your possible condition. Immunodeficiency does not have to cripple you; there are many ways to live with these deficiencies as long as you are aware of what is happening in your body.
"Innate Immunity." : Biology of the Immune System: Merck Manual Home Edition. Merck Manuals, 2014. Web. 27 Nov. 2014.










